All individuals, firms, and corporations using or occupying any
part of a road or highway on the state highway system with telegraph or
telephone lines, steam, electrical, or industrial railways, oil, gas, water, or
other pipes, mains, conduits, or any object or structure, other than by virtue
of a franchise or permit granted and in force, shall remove from the bounds of
the road or highway, their poles and wires connected therewith, and any tracks,
switches, spurs, or oil, gas, water, or other pipes, mains, conduits, or other
objects or structures, when in the opinion of the director of transportation
they constitute obstructions, or they interfere or may interfere with the
contemplated construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance, repair, or
use by the traveling public of the roads or highways.

All individuals, firms, or corporations so occupying any road
or highway on the state highway system, under and by virtue of a franchise or
permit granted and in force, shall relocate their properties and all parts
thereof within the bounds of the road or highway when in the opinion of the
director they constitute obstructions, or they interfere with or may interfere
with the contemplated construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance,
repair, or use of the road or highway. The relocation within the bounds of the
road or highway shall be in the manner and to the extent prescribed by the
director.

If, in the opinion of the director, such individuals, firms, or
corporations have obstructed any road or highway on the state highway system,
or if any of their properties are so located that they do or may interfere with
the contemplated construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance,
repair, or use of the road or highway, the director shall notify such
individual, firm, or corporation directing the removal of the obstruction or
properties, or the relocation of the properties. If the individual, firm, or
corporation does not within five days from the service of the notice proceed to
remove or relocate the obstruction or properties and complete the removal or
relocation within a reasonable time, the director may remove or relocate the
same by employing the necessary labor, tools, and equipment. Any notice
required under this section shall be made by personal service, certified mail,
or express mail.

If, in the director's opinion, the obstruction or properties
present an immediate and serious threat to the safety of the traveling public,
the director may remove or relocate the obstruction or properties without prior
notice.

When the director performs a removal or relocation under this
section, the costs and expenses shall be paid by the director out of any
appropriation of the department of transportation available for the
establishment, construction, reconstruction, improvement, maintenance, or
repair of highways, and the amount thereof shall be certified to the attorney
general for collection by civil action.

As used in this section, "road" or "highway" has the same
meaning as in section
5501.01 of the Revised Code and
also includes any part of the right of way.